Open Thread for Authors (Author Promo) for April 2011

Welcome to the April Promotional Thread for Authors. What's this you say? I read quite a few blogs outside the romance blogosphere and many of the big ones have a daily open thread where the commenters drive the bus.

The rules for Author Promo Night Open Thread are as follows:

The book has to be released in that month (i.e., anything released during the last week of March would be an April release)
You can post for yourself or you can have a friend post for you if the idea of posting about your book paralyzes you .
No self published authors unless you write romance. No, I am not a POD hater, I am just thinking about the manageability of the thread.
Think about the readership. I.e., does your non fiction book about psoriasis really fit?
This one is more of a guideline than a rule, but be smart about your comment because if it is just a link to your website and the title of your book, I doubt you are going to get any interest.
DA reserves the right to delete the post if it promotes objectionable content (i.e., no daddy/daughter incest recommends are going to be allowed. Sorry.)
That's it. Post away.

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Another long time reader who read romance novels in her teens, then took a long break before started back again about 15 years ago. She enjoys historical romance/fiction best, likes contemporaries, action- adventure and mysteries, will read suspense if there's no TSTL characters and is currently reading very few paranormals.

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Mere Mortals by Erastes (released the last week in March) is a gay Gothic historical romance set on the mysterious Norfolk Broads in 1847.

Orphaned Crispin Thorne has been taken as ward by Philip Smallwood, a man he’s never met, and is transplanted from his private school to Smallwood s house on an island on the beautiful but coldly remote, Horsey Mere in Norfolk. Upon his arrival, he finds that he’s not the only young man given a fresh start. Myles Graham, and Jude Middleton are there before him, and as their benefactor is away, they soon form alliances and friendships, as they speculate on why they ve been given this new life. Who is Philip Smallwood? Why has he given them such a fabulous new life? What secrets does the house hold and what is it that the Doctor seems to know?

My second book, CRUSHED SUGAR, was released on Friday, March 25th. So far, I’ve received one Five Star Review and one Four Star Review. CRUSHED is a *prequel* novella to my debut novel, SUGAR RUSH, the First Page of which I posted here a year ago while still in Queryland. CRUSHED takes place three months *before* Sugar Rush.

Be careful what you wish for.
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Ophelia's had a wicked crush on Martin since they were kids, but she was always just his geeky little friend. Then, on the first day of her junior year, he's suddenly and wildly attracted to her. She can't imagine what's changed, but shocking her small school's social order fills her with vindication for insults suffered.
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Ophelia meets Adrian right after and true love extinguishes the wicked crush. In secret, he gives her courage against a specter threat.
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Tristan is pale and hungry, and draws Martin's immediate ire. He knows things about Ophelia which she assumes are delusions brought on by an aggravated illness like her own, diabetes. When battle breaks out between his ancient race and new blood, even the courage of her secret love might be crushed.

Hot, Hexed and Bothered is my first novella in my Chaotic Coven series with Noble Romance. Releasing tomorrow, March 28.

When two BWF (Best Witchy Friends) go to Hell to release an incubus who may or may not be in trouble with Satan, they don’t expect to meet an efficiency expert, a Destroyer demon and a bus driver wanna-be married to the scariest creature known to man or Hell-hound.

It’s a fast paced frolic with tongue firmly in cheek. And in deference to Jane, there are no dead lawyer jokes in this release.

Quinn Donahue will do anyone once, so when Aaron Miller spots Quinn making his moves in a Vancouver gay bar, Aaron thinks he’s found just the guy to relieve him of his unwanted virginity. Quinn, however, has apparently decided to make an exception to his usual open-bed policy. He may be an unrepentant connoisseur of one-night stands, but he’s not going to disappoint a sweet kid like Aaron by giving him a hot night and then leaving while the sheets are still warm.

After Quinn takes a job at Aaron’s family horse farm, Aaron spots both the demons and the decency that drive Quinn’s frequent brush-offs, and it makes Aaron want him even more. But Quinn is determined that Aaron won’t go home with a man who doesn’t deserve him, so he starts sending likely candidates Aaron’s way. It takes a grim act of sacrifice for Aaron to realize exactly why Quinn’s been so skittish, and he'll have to keep a firm grip on the man of his dreams to keep Quinn from shying away.

As Abigail Barnette, I’ve got “Awakening Delilah” coming out from Resplendence Publishing on 4/6. I don’t have a link for it yet, but it’s M/M/F poly romance with shifters, so if that’s your thing, check it out.

My long awaited Owning Wednesday re-release is finally here! This has been a couple years in the making, and I have to thank Loose Id for agreeing to traditionally release my very first book, Owning Wednesday, in an updated, improved version on April 5th.

Owning Wednesday is a contemporary BDSM romance about a girl and her relationships with two very different dominants. In a deeper sense, it’s about the way we have to search for ourselves before we know how and why we want to be with others.

If you love action adventure romantic suspense, my debut, HER OWN BEST ENEMY is up on Amazon, B&N, Smashwords and All Romance Ebooks. I’m holding an official “launch” spotlight over at The Ruby Slippered Sisterhood on March 31st, and will be guest blogging over at Killer Fiction on April 1st, with a giveaway.

Blurb:

Desperate to track down her ex-husband who disappeared along with their son, Grace Stevens delves into his past and uncovers evidence of a shocking dual life. The man she thought was an ordinary computer consultant is in fact a former high-ranking Special Forces officer with unique skills in military intelligence. With nowhere to turn she is forced to plead for help from Keith King, the one man she hoped to never see again. Against her better judgment she'll have to put her child's fate into his hands.

Keith has officially hit rock bottom. Framed for the theft of deadly missile components, the cynical Special Forces officer is in danger of losing the only thing he can count on: his career. His one shot at clearing his name lies in locating Grace's ex, who was working with Keith on a secret mission to take down a cutthroat military traitor. But to team up with Grace he'll need to spend 24/7 with a woman who has every reason to hate him. Out to use each other for their own agenda, desperate mother and disillusioned soldier find they must work together to stay alive, and in the process discover that sometimes even the best of enemies fall in love.

Chapter One is available to read on my website along with more information about me, my books, and how to pick up a copy of HER OWN BEST ENEMY.

My new historical romance, A Marriage of Inconvenience, releases April 11 from Carina Press.
—–
Lucy Jones is a nobody. As an orphan she was reluctantly taken in by her wealthy relatives, the Arringtons, on the condition that she be silent and obedient, always. When her lifelong infatuation with her cousin Sebastian is rewarded by a proposal of marriage, she’s happy and grateful, even though the family finds excuses to keep the engagement a secret.

James Wright-Gordon has always had the benefits of money and a high station in society, but he is no snob. He’s very close to his sister, Anna, who quickly falls for the dashing Sebastian when the families are brought together at a wedding party. Meanwhile, James is struck by Lucy’s quiet intelligence, and drawn to her despite their different circumstances in life.

Lucy suspects that Sebastian has fallen for Anna, but before she can set him free, a terrible secret is revealed that shakes both families. Will James come to her rescue-‘or abandon her to poverty?
—-
A stand-alone prequel to The Sergeant’s Lady, A Marriage of Inconvenience is available for preorder now. For more information and excerpts, please visit my blog.

COLLISION COURSE, my sci-fi romance, will be released April 4 from Carina Press. As someone who grew up watching Star Trek, Star Wars, the original BSG, Buck Rogers, and a ton of sci-fi movies on cable television, I’m really excited to set hot, action-packed romance in the realm of outer space. (Did I mention that it’s hot? It’s hot.)

Here’s the blurb:

In a galaxy torn apart by war…

Mara Skiren is a scavenger, a black-market dealer. Blackmailed into helping Commander Kell Frayne infiltrate a treacherous corner of the galaxy, Mara learns that her biggest danger is from her sexy, by-the-book partner. She’s a loner with more than a few battle scars on her heart, but something about Commander Frayne stirs up her long-buried need for an intimate connection.

An ace pilot for the elite Black Wraith Squadron, Kell’s mission is to rescue a lost pilot and ship. Unable to deny his attraction to the beautiful, rebellious Mara, he decides bedding her would cool his ardor. But one taste is not nearly enough, and he finds himself sharing more of his real self with her than he has with anyone.

With deadly criminals on their heels and an increasingly dangerous assignment to complete, he’s starting to wonder…if they survived, could he let her go? And will Mara want to stay?

Thanks, DA and Jane, for giving us another place to sing about our stories!

VOWED IN SHADOWS, the third book in the first trilogy of the Marked Souls (yes, that lead-in is complicated math; dammit, Jim, I’m a writer, not a nerd… Oh… Wait, never mind…) comes out April 5 from Signet Eclipse.

An ex-missionary possessed by a repentant demon fights for the soul of stripper with a heart of lead — her body is off limits. Only their sins will save them and the rest of Chicago from an evil that threatens to unleash hell on earth.

Are you collecting Romance Trading Cards? (http://www.romancetradingcards.com) Email me (jessa at jessaslade dot com) with your physical address (sorry, US addresses only) with RTC in the subject line and I’ll send you a set of the three Marked Souls cards.

Jerome Mayer is tall, dark and dangerous to know. Normally Gemma would run a mile, but with a freshly broken heart maybe it's time for this good girl to take a walk on the wild side. However the danger to them both turns out to be more than just emotional when someone objects to their attempts to uncover a corrupt land deal.

Thanks so much Dear Author for the monthly promo op!
Single Dad’s Triple Trouble (Harlequin Medical Romance) is a reunion story predicated on, ‘What if you loved somebody but you both wanted dramatically different things out of life and after months of trying you couldn’t agree?’ And worse still, what happens if after you’ve separated you discover that the major sticking point in the relationship, the one thing the other person refused to yield on, has actually taken place.’

This is where this story starts; with hurt, pain and an overwhelming sense of betrayal. But life isn’t simple and there is never only one reason or one person to blame. Elly and Gabe are about to find that out as they navigate the past and try and find a future.
I hope you enjoy this story set on the lovely east coast of Tasmaniahttp://www.eharlequin.comhttp://www.fionalowe.com
Happy Reading
Fiona :-)

March 28th from Liquid Silver – Date With Death
She never expected to fall in love with Death.

Marigold has a date with Death, but when she foils his plan to take her soul back to Hell, she invites him to dinner instead.

Mictain, an Aztec god who now collects the dead for Satan, is baffled at his interest in the plump human who can see him. Intrigued–and in lust–he can't help pursuing her. But things are never simple when gods are involved.

Lucifer, Lord of Hell tries to warn him away and even Marigold's long lost father decides to butt in. But, despite the opposition, things heat up between them, and Marigold learns, when Death comes calling, it's best to get naked and invite him into bed-‘and her heart.

And April 1st from Amira Press – His Teddy Bear
All he wants is his chubby Teddy bear.

Chubby Teddy, who is ironically enough a bear shifter, has finally found her mate. There's one big problem though. He doesn't like what he sees.

Reece never imagined his chosen mate would be a woman with extra curves, but all it takes is one taste to realize the benefits and turn his world upside down.

Their arguments are many, their lust for each other fiery, but while he's ready to for the next step, Teddy keeps running. What will it take to win her trust and heart?

I have excerpts and some fabulously hot covers on my site EveLanglais.com
Thanks for reading
Eve :)

The second of my historical paranormal series, Legend of the Faol, is out in April in the Harlequin Undone! imprint (short, sexy ebooks).

Bound to the Wolf Prince takes place three years after the first book. Her’es the blubr:

As the new Alpha of the Faol, a legendary clan possessing the power of the wolf, Eoin Tolmach knows he should put the needs of his people before his own. Yet the former warrior cannot resist the challenge of rescuing kidnapped heiress Freya Ogilvie himself…or his unexpected attraction to her. Eoin admires her courage and sensual beauty, but she doesn't trust her own passionate instincts. Now Eoin faces his greatest test: convincing Freya to indulge their mutual desire….

It gives him the reputation of a heart-breaker, but he can handle that as long as it keeps his mother, Dinah, from trying to marry him off. Judi Montgomery and her tempting ponytail finagle their way around official dates with car problems and driving lessons. She worms her way into his heart and entices him to want more from his life.

When health issues causes his father to retire, Bryce inherits the family-owned tractor repair shop. Can Judi's love and encouragement give him the courage to break tradition and pursue his dreams of owning a custom hot rod shop?

Officially, my book doesn’t come out until Easter Sunday (April 24), but I’m running a contest right now that ends April 10, so that the winner(s) can have the book before the release date. The grand prize is a big basket with the print versions (signed!) of all three books in the trilogy, two canisters of hot chocolate from NYC’s Jacques Torres (one classic, one spicy), a stick with digital copies of all the books and their playlists, a mug, a mousepad, a brand new CD copy of Carmina Burana, and a soopersekritsexy item. (Five runners up will get digital copies of all three books.)

GETTING OFF THE GROUND from Amber Allure will be out on April 3rd. This is a contemporary M/M novella, and the blurb is as follows:
—
After being stood up at the altar, compulsive over-planner Elliott Chandler decides to turn their honeymoon on Oahu into a vacation for one. Fate puts a hitch in his plans, however, when the airport is snowed in and his flight is delayed.

In the airport, the jilted groom catches the eye of another stranded traveler: the laidback and very sexy Derek Windsor. Derek breaks the ice and strikes up a conversation, and as the temperature drops outside, the heat between them rises. Pity they're both going to different islands, but if their flight doesn't leave soon, Mr. Calm-and-Cool may just tempt Mr. Play-It-Safe to do something reckless.

And that plane isn't going anywhere any time soon.
—
The book will be available directly from Amber Allure, with links to third party sites added to my website as they’re available.

As a way to get over him, and as a chance to have fun and clear her head, Justus convinces her best friend Krystal to accompany her on her honeymoon cruise. While on the cruise Justus meets a handsome Latin dance instructor named Miguel Amores from Miami.

Upon seeing Miguel and his obvious instant attraction to Justus, Krystal convinces her friend he is prime material for a fling. After two chance encounters on the cruise ship, Justus accepts a date from Miguel, only after her best friend dares her to. Justus joins Miguel at the ship's night club, to prove to Krystal that she isn't attracted to the hunky instructor.

When a black-clad motorcyclist pulls up alongside her, thrilling her with dark eyes that promise raw, wild sex, Mala Bey's system goes into overload. Moments later, the stranger loses control and crashes into the Everglades. Horrified, Mala desperately searches for the compelling man, but it's as if the thick vegetation swallowed him whole. Yet she hears his voice calling for her…

Caught in a portal filled with disembodied voices calling him backward in time, Laird Jaeger clings to his only lifeline to the present-‘the woman with the haunting gray-green eyes. A mystical thread connects their thoughts as ancient forces drag him farther back into a past only his Seminole blood remembers.

A mysterious, panther-like creature guides Jaeger toward a past life as Thunder, an ancient tribe's only hope of survival. Even as the past wraps tendrils around his soul, his and Mala's connection endures. Its power is enough to burn a fiery path of desire through time, but their growing love may not be strong enough to break destiny's spell.

Looking for something quick to enjoy between longer books? I have a set of short stories that can take you away to a mystical place and bring you back in time to pick up the kids. Oh, and warm you up along the way. High heat levels on these–you have been warned.

Come join the new Shaman of the People of the Sea and his partner as they travel through the beautiful Pacific Inside Passage of Canada. There are three paranormal erotic short stories in this ebook series- Stormchild released last year, Stormy Seduction is out April 12, and the final book, Silent Storm, is out May 17.

What readers are saying about Stormchild-

Stormchild is an intense, sensual story that will engross you from beginning to end.

The magical world contained in this sexy little story is remarkably intricate. I CAN’T WAIT to read more stories.

As morning-afters go, this one is looking pretty bright. Both air shifter Laurin Marshal and water shifter/shaman Matthew Jentry are aware, though, that trouble won't be long in coming. And they're right-‘before they've barely begun to work out the details of their mystical bond, the People of the Air find them to challenge Laurin's right to choose Matt as her mate.

Fending off Laurin's would-be suitors is easier than Matt anticipated, but there's another dilemma still to face. His own people. Laurin is just beginning to trust that his heart and body are completely hers, a radical change after she's spent the past two years alone and on the run. What will happen when his skittish, innocent partner encounters the playful, sensual-‘even lusty-‘ways of the Otter Clan?

Especially since they are arriving at the peak of the traditional summer solstice fertility rituals. And tradition demands they be the main attraction…

Incoming extreme passion yielding one otherworldly adventure. Don't let the book length fool you-‘there's enough heat in this story to challenge global warming. Four plus two equals one ceremony so explosive it may throw the earth off its axis.

I’ll be at the RT Convention in LA in April, with cover flats to sign of this series. If you’re around, please come and say hi!

Prudence loves the sexy games her husband arranges for her, and she craves the punishment for losing as much as the pleasures of victory. Edward is frustrated, however, that Pru denies them both her true submission by telling herself they are only playing.

A visit from Major Harry Sterling, their oldest friend, offers an erotic opportunity to push Pru past her boundaries. She's always fantasised about having Harry, but will sharing her body with another help Pru fully surrender to the man she loves?

Available this Friday 4/1 from Ellora’s Cave: Captain Grey’s Lady, a sexy erotic historical novella. Here is the blurb:

When a dangerous-looking stranger raps on Lizzie Winstead's door in the middle of a stormy night, the peace of her humdrum life is shattered. She's shocked to discover her visitor is Captain Edmond Grey, one of the most feared pirates of the realm and her lost love.

Edmond is a wanted man throughout the Colonies, but despite his formidable reputation, he desperately needs her help to nurse his wounded brother back to health. Only Lizzie can be trusted not to turn Edmond over to authorities for the price on his head.

Lizzie can't quell the feelings Edmond stirs in her heart or the fire he ignites in her blood. Before long, both succumb to the reckless desire renewed between them. She follows him aboard his pirate ship and sets sail into a world rife with passion and peril. Together they brave fierce battle and frightening storms, determined to discover whether the love they once shared is strong enough to reunite them forever and conquer the demons of Edmond's past.

To Dear Author, much thanks for allowing us to unapologetically grovel and beg for readers to check out our stories. I do this with much love in my heart for all of you. Tee Hee!

I have my very first short story coming out this month. It is a Fairy Tale Godmother meets Fairy Tale Godfather meets smooching meets Cinderella meets flying pigs story called Loving a Fairy Godmother.

Loving a Fairy Godmother will be released April 11 by Liquid Silver Books. I include the blurb for your perusal:

***Tiernan is one of a kind. Beyond the divine dimples, killer blue eyes, and hard muscled body, Tiernan is also the only Fairy Godfather. Most of the Fairy Godmothers have no problem with keeping Tiernan around, but Reina isn’t like most Fairy Godmothers.

Amongst Fairy Godmothers, Reina is the best. Organized, efficient, logical. So why is it when Tiernan is around, all those qualities fly out the window? Reina doesn’t like that one infuriating male makes her lose control, and just wants him gone. Circumstances arise that just might let her get her wish, though not in a way she ever wanted.

Tiernan is given an assignment and told either get a Happily Ever After or he will no longer be a Fairy Godfather. Reina is going with him to supervise, but if Tiernan gets his way, he’ll not only be supervising that luscious stubborn fairy in bed, but also get her to admit Happily Ever Afters also apply to Fairy Godmothers***

And there you have it. Obviously a story meant to change the written landscape, but if you wish to read it for nothing more than simple pleasure, I will understand.

Thanks Dear Author Ladies for the promo opportunity. Great way to get info about my work out there AND build my TBR list. Carina Press has some awesome ones coming out!

The Beast In Me, Book 1 In the Black Star Canyon series, releases today. You can find it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords. If you’re interested, you can read an excerpt here.

Blurb:
After a chaotic childhood, Katherine Bailey isn't one to take risks. Stability and security are all she wants and needs…until she meets Daniel.

Werewolf Daniel Acevedo had it all, until a chance meeting with a vampire turned his world upside down. Now another chance meeting with Katie may do the same, if he's brave enough to let it.

A woman who thought stability was her salvation and a man alienated from the two worlds that spawned him. Lust is one thing but are they willing to risk everything for a possible chance at love?

**Warning, this title contains the following: Explicit sex, graphic language, a spanky hero who likes to tie delivery girls to beds and a heroine who discovers she doesn’t mind being spanked and tied to beds as much as she thought she would.**

HAPPY RELEASE DAY fellow authors! Those of you heading out to RT safe travel and have an awesome time!!

Hi Folks! Am excited to announce the release of Secret Reflection with Escape Publishing (Harlequin). If you loved The Ghost and Mrs Muir, or The Canterville Ghost, then Secret Reflection will be up your alley.

Blurb:
Kelly Reid doesn’t believe in ghosts, so when she finds the ghost of Stanford Manor in her bedroom mirror she is determined to prove the apparition is a hoax. Yet how does she deny his soulful plea for help and stop herself falling for a man she will never hope to touch?

Accused of murder, John Tarrant has been trapped in the manor’s mirrors for 140 years. Kelly can either save him or damn him, but first she must unravel his hidden secrets.

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